IADR Abstract Archives
Dental and Periodontal Health Status of Thalassemia Patients-A Cross-Sectional Study
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the dental and periodontal changes among Thalassemia patients,to assess the influence of these changes leading to worsening of Thalassemia and educate them about maintaining oral hygiene.
Methods: The study design of the research was cross-sectional study.Convenience sampling technique was used to collect data,after obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board(IRB) of Dow University of Health Sciences.Data from a total of 59 patients was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire at Hussaini Foundation , Karachi.All the patients were interviewed using a questionnaire based on different questions regarding disease history,clinical variables(decayed,missing,filled teeth), oral health status and practice of oral hygiene.Intra-oral examination was done using Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth Index (DMFT Index).Age range of patients was between 7 and 35 years. Oral hygiene instructions were demonstrated orally and posters were placed in the wards.Data was analyzed statistically using SPSS version 16.0
Results: Majority of the thalassemia subjects were male. Surprisingly,31of 59 patients never went to a dentist. Food impaction which was present in 64% .There were 3 patients out of 59 who never brushed their teeth, having a mean brushing frequency of 1.33 per day. A disappointing mean flossing frequency of 0.07 per day was observed. A significant complain of bleeding gums and sensitivity was presented with an equal rate of 56%. Most of the patients had decayed teeth with a mean of 1.82. Overall the mean DMFT was 2.4
Conclusions: Dental and periodontal diseases can be prevented by regular oral hygiene measures. Dental health of thalassemic patients should not be ignored as little lifestyle changes such as regular visit to a dentist can contribute to a better lifestyle.Spreading awareness among thalassemia patients about regular tooth brushing can help prevent innumerable problems which may otherwise aggravate the general health of these individuals.
Methods: The study design of the research was cross-sectional study.Convenience sampling technique was used to collect data,after obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board(IRB) of Dow University of Health Sciences.Data from a total of 59 patients was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire at Hussaini Foundation , Karachi.All the patients were interviewed using a questionnaire based on different questions regarding disease history,clinical variables(decayed,missing,filled teeth), oral health status and practice of oral hygiene.Intra-oral examination was done using Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth Index (DMFT Index).Age range of patients was between 7 and 35 years. Oral hygiene instructions were demonstrated orally and posters were placed in the wards.Data was analyzed statistically using SPSS version 16.0
Results: Majority of the thalassemia subjects were male. Surprisingly,31of 59 patients never went to a dentist. Food impaction which was present in 64% .There were 3 patients out of 59 who never brushed their teeth, having a mean brushing frequency of 1.33 per day. A disappointing mean flossing frequency of 0.07 per day was observed. A significant complain of bleeding gums and sensitivity was presented with an equal rate of 56%. Most of the patients had decayed teeth with a mean of 1.82. Overall the mean DMFT was 2.4
Conclusions: Dental and periodontal diseases can be prevented by regular oral hygiene measures. Dental health of thalassemic patients should not be ignored as little lifestyle changes such as regular visit to a dentist can contribute to a better lifestyle.Spreading awareness among thalassemia patients about regular tooth brushing can help prevent innumerable problems which may otherwise aggravate the general health of these individuals.